In the IELTS Reading section, one of the most challenging question types for many test-takers is "True / False / Not Given (or Yes / No / Not Given)".
While "True" is often straightforward, many struggle with the persistent challenge of distinguishing between "False" and "Not Given". Test-takers often waste time wondering, "It doesn't seem to be written here, but based on common sense, isn't it False?" or "If I infer, maybe it's not Not Given?"
This article explains the "logical boundary for distinguishing False from Not Given" used by high-scoring IELTS candidates (Band 7.0+) and outlines three key approaches to improve your accuracy.
1. The Definitive Difference Between "False" and "Not Given"
First, let's redefine these two terms not by "feeling" but by "logic." Based on the official IELTS definitions, the difference is as follows:
- False (No): The statement "contradicts" the information in the passage.
In other words, the passage states the opposite fact.
- Not Given: The information is "absent" from the passage.
It is a state where you can neither confirm nor deny the statement; it's "impossible to say."
A Clear Example for Judgment
Let's simplify this even further.
Question: "The balloons were red."
The answer changes depending on what the passage says.
- Passage: "...had blue balloons."
Answer: False
Reason: "Red" and "blue" are contradictory. There is evidence that the balloons were "not red (they were blue)," so the answer is False.
- Passage: "...had beautiful balloons."
Answer: Not Given
Reason: "Beautiful" does not contradict "red." We don't know the color (the information is missing), so the answer is Not Given.
The key is the "presence or absence of information." If you can prove it's different, it's False. If there's no way to prove it one way or the other, it's Not Given. Always keep this distinction in mind.
2. Three Logical Approaches to Avoid Traps
IELTS examiners set traps expecting test-takers to read "intuitively" rather than logically. Pay close attention to the following three patterns.
① The Qualifier Trap: All vs. Some
Words that limit the meaning of a sentence (qualifiers) are the biggest clues for determining the answer.
- Absolute Qualifiers (100%): All, Always, Must, Only, Every
- Partial/Possibility Qualifiers: Some, Often, Can, May, Usually
[Example Trap]
Passage: "It would be best to wear flat-soled shoes." (Recommendation)
Question: "Participants must wear sneakers." (Obligation)
In this case, the answer is False. This is because "recommendation (best)" and "obligation (must)" are contradictory. If the question uses a strong word (Must, All), check if there is equally strong language in the passage to support it. If the passage uses milder language (Some, Can), it's a contradiction (False).
② The Comparison Trap
If the question contains a comparison, such as "A is better than B" or "the most in the world," you must check if a comparison is also made in the passage.
[Example Trap]
Passage: "Thousands of plant species inhabit the Amazon." (Statement of fact)
Question: "The Amazon has the most plant species in the world." (Superlative)
In this case, the answer is Not Given. The passage only states that there are "many" species; it does not say it has "the most in the world" (i.e., it doesn't compare it to other places). Even if it seems true based on general knowledge, the golden rule is to answer Not Given if there is no comparative statement in the text.
③ Abandon "Common Sense" (The Text-Only Rule)
This is a common pitfall for many test-takers. In IELTS, the world is governed by the "Text-Only Rule"—what is written in the passage is everything.
Even if a question states a scientific fact like "The sun rises in the east," if the passage contains no information about celestial bodies, the answer is Not Given. Making inferences based on what you think is "normally true" even if it's not written will cost you points in IELTS. Have the courage to "abandon common sense and trust only the text in front of you."
3. A Flowchart for When You're Stuck
When you're unsure during the exam, use the following flowchart to make a systematic decision.
- Keyword Scan: Are the keywords from the question (subject, verb, numbers) in the passage?
No → Not Given (Decide quickly)
Yes → Move to the next step
- Check for Agreement: Does the information in the passage match the question (is it paraphrased)?
Yes → True
- Check for Contradiction: Does the passage state the opposite or a contradictory condition (e.g., All vs. Some)?
Yes (The opposite is stated) → False
No (It's not mentioned / cannot be compared) → Not Given
Time Management: The "90-Second Rule"
Getting bogged down in T/F/NG questions is a common trap. The golden rule for high-scorers is: "If you can't find the evidence, choose Not Given and move on." It's not that you "can't find it," but rather that it's likely "not written there at all (Not Given)." Not spending more than 90 seconds per question and knowing when to move on is key to improving your score.
Conclusion: T/F/NG is a "Logic Puzzle"
True/False/Not Given questions test not only your English comprehension but also your logical thinking skills. Stop answering based on "a feeling" and start training yourself to logically determine if there is a "contradiction (False)" or an "absence of information (Not Given)." This will turn the section into a reliable source of points.
If you find it difficult to master this logical reading approach on your own, or if explanations in textbooks still don't make sense, we recommend correcting these "thinking habits" with professional guidance.
For IELTS Score Improvement, Consider "ELT"
At ELT, we provide one-on-one instruction to help students overcome the common habit of "reading between the lines" and master the logical reading methods required for IELTS. If your Reading score is stuck at 6.0, we invite you to experience our "problem-solving techniques" in a free counseling session.
